Feudalism and the Manor System

1. The Feudal Contract • A system of mutual obligations. • NOT a one way street! • - The liege must offer protection and opportunities for wealth. • - The vassal must offer military service, taxes and loyalty • If either party failed to live up to their obligations, the contract was broken. • Often, the same person would be both a vassal and a liege. A vassal to someone of higher rank and a liege to someone of lower rank. • These contracts were declared in a formal, public ceremony known as homage. The Feudal System KingsGive large land grants to Upper Lords called fiefsGive ProtectionReceives money, military service, and advice Greater Lords (Duke, Marquis, Count, Earl)Give land grants to Lesser LordsGive ProtectionReceives money, military service Lesser Lords (Baron, Baronet, Lord)Give land grants to knightsReceives money, military service KnightsGive land to peasants/serfsReceives crops, labor Peasants/ SerfsReceives land to farm Cannot leave that land, EVER. Pays with labor, crops The Glue Feudalism and the Manor System • How Did You Become A Knight ? • - First, you have to be born to either a lord’s or a knight’s family. • Age 7 – Become a squire to a lord or knight. • Age 18 – A squire’s training is complete • Knights would compete in tournaments, to prove their skill. • Role of Noblewomen • While nobles and knights were away at war, noblewomen ran their estates. • In this respect, they could have considerable power, especially during long wars.